BETTENDORF, IOWA (August 19, 2026) — The Bettendorf Community School District is pleased to announce the appointment of TJ Grindle as Executive Director of Student Services.Grindle currently serves as the district’s Coordinator of Special Education, providing district-wide leadership for special education programming, compliance, service delivery, and continuous improvement. In this role, she has led efforts related to IDEA implementation, preschool special education, the district’s Special Education Service Delivery Plan, and improvement work in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education.
“TJ brings a strong combination of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of every student,” said John Elkin, Interim Superintendent.
“Her knowledge of our district, her ability to build strong systems of support, and her collaborative approach will be tremendous assets in this role. We are excited to have TJ continue serving Bettendorf students, families, and staff in this expanded leadership capacity.”
Grindle brings more than twenty years of experience in education, including more than a decade in leadership positions focused on special education systems, compliance, and continuous improvement. Her experience includes serving as a classroom teacher, academic interventionist, assistant principal, elementary principal, associate director, and director of academics.
Prior to joining Bettendorf Community School District, Grindle held leadership roles with Specialized Education Services Inc, where she supported special education programming across multiple sites and later provided regional leadership across twelve campuses serving students with disabilities. Her work included program evaluation, compliance, professional learning, data analysis, and continuous improvement efforts focused on student outcomes.
Earlier in her career, Grindle spent more than twenty years with Clio Area Schools in Michigan, progressing from classroom teacher to academic interventionist, assistant principal, and elementary principal. Her leadership experience included curriculum and instruction, MTSS, professional learning, student support systems, and school improvement.
Grindle holds an Education Specialist degree in K–12 Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in literacy, and a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Michigan. She holds an Iowa Professional Administrator License with endorsements as a PK–12 Principal, PK–12 Special Education Supervisor, PK–12 Superintendent, and PK–12 AEA Administrator.
In her new role, Grindle will provide leadership for student services and work collaboratively with district and building leaders, staff, families, and community partners to strengthen systems of support and help ensure all Bettendorf students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
